U.S. Navy Seaman Justin Diaz connects with a left hook on Senior Airman Mathew McCoy during preliminary bouts at the 2010 Armed Forces Boxing Championship at Warfield Gym on Naval Base Ventura County, April 20, 2010. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class William Selby.
By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class William Selby
Earlier this week, I wrote about my visit with Senior Airman Mathew McCoy, a contender in the 2010 Armed Forces Boxing Championship from April 20 to April 23 at Naval Base Ventura County. Here’s what happened when I met his upcoming opponent in the ring:
“Did he say he’s scared?”
“No,” I replied.
“He is though,” Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Justin Diaz whispered with a confident grin.
That’s how my conversation with Diaz started. Diaz is no stranger to the AFBC, after winning the gold medal in his weight class in 2009 and helping the Navy team take the overall silver medal for the first time in 30 plus years.
After winning his preliminary fight, U.S. Navy Seaman Justin Diaz holds up the U.S. Navy flag during his victory lap at Warfield gym. Diaz, the Navy team captain, hopes to win his second straight gold medal in the 2010 Armed Forces Boxing Championship. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class William Selby.
Diaz is based out of San Diego, aboard the Aegis guided missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91). His quest to keep his title in the 141 pound class starts on April 20, and he is confident about his chances. (I found it fitting that this very aggressive fighter is stationed aboard a destroyer ship.)
“The only way I’ll lose is if my opponent out thinks me,” Diaz said. “I’m a complete fighter. My power is effective, as well as my quickness.”
Before he joined the Navy, Diaz boxed as an amateur in Miami. He said he joined the Navy to serve his country. As soon as he found out about the Navy boxing team he wanted to try out.
Diaz is now the captain of the Navy team and says this year’s team should take home several medals including the overall gold medal.
“We’re going to be destructive in a composed manner,” Diaz said. “As soon as [other services] enter the ring with us, they’re going to realize they’re dealing with some salty dogs, some hard core sailors.”
After finishing his first enlistment in 2012, the ambidextrous fighter said he is not sure if he will continue to serve in the Navy, but he does plan to turn pro and continue boxing.
